Hiking on and around frozen water

Hiking on and around frozen water...

Today we ventured off to find a pond and to check for bird nests and whatever else we came upon. As we're getting closer to the  pond, we noticed a trail that headed off to the east, so of course we had to check it out! It led us to an old camping ground with a few buildings and fire pits.

We checked the buildings out for any life (like I had any other choice with these-two being search dogs). They were cleared by both dogs and we carried on... back on task, to the pond.

The pond

Gaige at the pond

As we walked around the pond on the ice, please keep in mind I take into consideration a few safety checks before going out onto the ice. 

1. How cold the temperatures have been over the past couple weeks. 

2. Has there been any ice-fishing recently. 

3. Knowing where the water inlets and outlets are to the pond.

I also don't venture off to far from the banking. Hikah joins me on the ice however, Gaige doesn't take to lightly of it, especially when it starts to make cracking and popping noises (ice does this when it contracts and expands during temperature changes).

Hikah with me, Gaige on banking.

Water inlet to pond, unsafe here.

    

     

After making our way around the pond without much to report other than the pond having two inlets about 200 feet away from each other, we started to head back.

Water inlet to the pond.

On our way back, Gaige found and item which I allowed him to carry back and nibble on. It was a fresh deer leg. He was in his glory!

Gaige's find!

Gaige enjoying his find.

CAUTION: Safety first when it comes to walking on frozen water. If your unsure, stay off the ice!